David Chipperfield Design Creates Tambre Bathtub for Agape

Renowned design firm David Chipperfield Design has partnered with Italian bathroom specialist Agape to introduce a groundbreaking wooden bathtub, marking their inaugural collaboration. This new collection, named Tambre, showcases a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, featuring an integrated seating area, a practical shelf, and a washbasin. The innovative pieces are crafted from okumè plywood, a material selected for its appealing warm tones, refined grain, and excellent resistance to moisture.

The Tambre collection, which premiered at Milan Design Week, consists of bathtubs available in two dimensions and a range of complementary washbasins. The construction of the bathtub highlights the distinct layering of the plywood sheets, thoughtfully softened by solid wood inserts at the transitions. All functional components are discreetly housed within the structure, preserving its clean and uncluttered profile. A prominent feature of the collection is a gently sloping backrest that flows into a cantilevered basin, enhancing both comfort and utility. The design also incorporates a built-in seat, allowing users to choose between an upright or fully reclined bathing posture, with an additional option including a shelf and integrated shower, reminiscent of traditional Japanese bathing customs.

The Tambre collection seamlessly blends sophisticated design with practical functionality, transforming the daily bathing ritual into an experience of refined simplicity. This thoughtful integration of form and function not only enhances the user's interaction with the product but also reflects a deeper appreciation for both modern aesthetics and timeless cultural practices. The collection's name, Tambre, pays homage to a river in Galicia, Spain, a region celebrated for its ancient thermal spring bathing culture, further connecting the design to a rich heritage of wellness and natural beauty.